NBA First Round Preview

Posted byAlex MorrisonPosted inUncategorized

Exactly one day before the four month anniversary of when they were originally supposed to start, the NBA playoffs will tip-off this afternoon. After a pandemic and a month of playing games in the bubble, the important games finally start. Just like with my NFL playoff previews, I’ll give you a preview of all the matchups as well as players to watch out for for each team. I’ll also give you my prediction of who I think will win.

Eastern Conference

#1 Bucks vs. #8 Magic

After posting the NBA’s best record, the Bucks will have nothing but confidence especially with reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the Magic might feel they have home advantage, even after going 2-5 in the bubble.

Bucks Player to Watch: Giannis Antetokuompo

I don’t think there’s an easier player to watch to pick than Giannis. He’s proved he can be the complete big man by leading in two point shots made and coming second in rebounds per game. He’s also first in player efficiency rating.

Magic Player to Watch: Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic has also been one of the league’s best big men and the Magic’s best player this season. He averaged a double-double with 19.6 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Prediction: Bucks in 5

#2 Raptors vs. #7 Nets

The Raptors surprised a lot of people this season. After losing their best player, Kawhi Leonard, a lot of fans had predicted them to not play well, but they earned the Eastern Conference’s two seed. The Nets were the opposite. After acquiring Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the offseason, expectations were high. Both players were injured for most of the season, causing the Nets not to live up to those expectations.

Raptors Player to Watch: Pascal Siakam

After a bright start to the season, Siakam earned himself a place as an All-Star starter. While helping the defending champions to the NBA’s second best record, Siakam averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Nets Player to Watch: Spencer Dinwiddie

On an injury-ravaged team, one ray of light was Spencer Dinwiddie. He started most of the games Kyrie was out, and put up some pretty good numbers. He scored 20.6 points per game and averaged 6.8 assists per game.

Prediction: Raptors in 6

#3 Celtics vs. #6 76ers

The Celtics were probably hoping for a bigger improvement from last year and although they played better, they only moved up one seed. The 76ers were bigger disappointment and went from the three seed last year to the six seed this year. Something about them didn’t click and their long rebuild might not work.

Celtics Player to Watch: Jayson Tatum

The Celtics were far from a one-man team, but there was one player who stood out: Jayson Tatum. With 23.4 points and seven assists per game, Tatum certainly was Boston’s standout player.

76ers Player to Watch: Joel Embiid

Embiid is another star big man and he has proven he can put up big numbers. He averages a double-double with 23 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game (8.9 of which are offensive rebounds). He’s a key player with Ben Simmons out for the rest of the season.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

#4 Pacers vs. #5 Heat

Two evenly matched teams will play each other in the four seed/five seed match-up. They both have a 44-28 record, however they had very different times in the bubble. The Pacers have gone 5-2 in the bubble and have had to adapt almost all season without Victor Oladipo. The Heat have been led by Jimmy Butler, their big-name free agency signing.

Pacers Player to Watch: T.J. Warren

TJ Warren has been on fire in the bubble. After dropping 51 points in his first game in the bubble, he continued his run of form and averaged 31.3 points in the bubble. He’s also averaged 6.3 rebound since games got back underway.

Heat Player to Watch: Jimmy Butler

As I mentioned earlier, Jimmy Butler is the Heat’s best player. He didn’t play at his best, but he was still productive. He scored 19.9 points per game, had 6.7 rebounds per game and 6 assists per game.

Prediction: Heat in 7

Western Conference

#1 Lakers vs. #8 Trailblazers

Last season for the Lakers was a disappointment after they still missed the playoffs even with LeBron James. This year was a big step up as they were the third ranked team in the NBA and claimed the one seed in the West. The Trailblazers had to play a play-in game to get in, but they do deserve their place. They have of the league’s best back courts with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Lakers Player to Watch: Anthony Davis

You might have expected me to pick LeBron, but Anthony Davis had a good season as well. He’s been a defensive beast, contributing a lot of defense. He ranks third in the NBA in blocks and second in defensive win shares.

Trailblazers Player to Watch: Damian Lillard

Lillard has had another explosive season. He was one of the best players in the NBA ranking second in points and fifth in assists, although it was easier considering he led the league in minutes per game. He was also best in the league in offensive contributions, leading in offensive win shares.

Prediction: Lakers in 7

#2 Clippers vs. #7 Mavericks

After the offseason acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, a lot people had expected big things for the Clippers. They finished second out West, just behind their LA rivals, the Lakers. The Mavericks thrived through European imports Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic, the latter of whom is an MVP candidate.

Clippers Player to Watch: Kawhi Leonard

Even with a change of environment, Kawhi has still had one of his best seasons on record. He’s averaged 27.1 points per game, 4.9 assists per game and 7.1 rebounds per game to lead the Clippers into the two seed.

Mavericks Player to Watch: Luka Doncic

Earlier on in the season, Luka was averaging a triple-double, and he got so close at the end of the season. He averaged 28.8 points per game, 8.8 assists per game and 9.4 rebounds per game.

Prediction: Mavericks in 6

#3 Nuggets vs. #6 Jazz

Two of last year’s surprising playoff teams have snuck in again. Both teams have good players, to be fair to them. The Nuggets have Nikola Jovic and the Jazz have Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

Nuggets Player to Watch: Nikola Jokic

On a team where he’s the star, he’s been able to contribute a lot offensively. He averages 19.9 points, 7 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game. He also has 6.7 offensive win shares, which is third in the NBA.

Jazz Player to Watch: Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has been given opportunities to do a lot for the Jazz and he’s taken them. He ranks fourth in the league in shot attempts and they’ve worked out because he averages 24 points per game.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

#4 Rockets vs. #5 Thunder

These two teams traded players with each other, but no one would have guessed the two teams would be this close. The Rockets are led by James Harden and Russell Westbrook (both former Thunder players), whose talents have sort of balanced each other out this season. The story for the Thunder has been the strength of Chris Paul, who they acquired in that trade for Westbrook.

Rockets Player to Watch: James Harden

He’s the leader in three-pointers, free-throws, steals, points, win shares, value over replacement player, etc. James Harden has been the complete player this season and looks to be heading towards winning another MVP.

Thunder Player to Watch: Chris Paul

The 24-year-old Paul is still putting up good, consistent numbers in the NBA. He averages 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, enough for his team to make an unlikely playoff spot. He is also tied for fourth in steals, with 111.

Prediction: Rockets in 4

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